Asia Brochure 2023

85 Japan

Y ou may know a thing or two about sushi. You might even be acquainted with the likes of sashimi and tempura. But, no matter how well-versed you are when it comes to the food offerings of Japan, you can never run out of exciting dishes to try. After all, this is a country known for its ability to fuse old and new perfectly, and Japan’s food scene takes a similar shape, honouring age-old techniques while not shying away from innovation. What results, most people would agree, is something unique and delicious. One of the most central ingredients in Japanese cuisine is rice. Sticky and short grained and often enjoyed steamed and unseasoned in reverence of its natural flavour, the importance of rice in Japanese culture extends far beyond its great taste. However, when it comes to great-tasting rice dishes, Japan well and truly delivers: Sushi - of course - is a highlight, with its delicate sweetness and fresh fish toppings, ranging from raw salmon to salty eel. And Japanese curry, often topped with deep-fried chicken or pork – tonkatsu – is another tasty dish where rice is the champion. Noodles also feature big in Japanese cooking. From the chewy-textured udon noodles that come in a savoury broth to the buckwheat soba noodles that are often eaten cold alongside a soy-based sauce, there are endless variations. But, if we had to recommend one dish to try, it would have to be a bowl of steaming-hot ramen. Despite being a Chinese-inspired dish, it’s now

Food Steeped in culture and tradition, the food scene in Japan is one of the most celebrated in the world. For anybody travelling here, sampling some authentic cuisine is a must.

JAPAN’S FOOD SCENE TAKES A SIMILAR SHAPE, HONOURING AGE-OLD TECHNIQUES WHILE NOT SHYING

hugely popular across Japan, with over 32,000 ramen shops scattered across the country. Pair this rich noodle soup with a side of lightly fried gyoza and an ice-cold beer, and you’ll soon understand why it’s loved by so many. Whether you want to stick to more subtle flavours or be more adventurous, sample cheap street-food eats or dine at Michelin-star restaurants, Japan offers something for everyone. Commonly eaten as part of a traditional shabu-shabu (which involves dipping thinly sliced pieces of meat into a bubbling broth), prized Kobe beef is a must-try for anyone willing to splash some cash. That being said, a venture to one of the country’s many affordable food markets will have you licking your lips just as avidly. With so much more to discover and plenty of food experiences waiting to be had, a trip to Japan offers an ideal balance of cuisine, culture, and adventure. So, if you’re hungry for that next holiday, you might just have found your dream destination.

AWAY FROM INNOVATION.

Best time to go Why not coincide your trip with one of Japan’s top food or drink festivals?

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